Having won promotion to the Premier League with Coventry City last season, Ghana’s Brandon Thomas-Asante wants his memorable year to continue by beating Colombia in Kansas to reach the World Cup 2026 last 16.
The Black Stars saw off Panama with a 95th-minute winner and held England to a 0-0 draw before their unblemished defensive record ended with a 2-1 defeat to 2018 finalists Croatia in Group L.
“We’re glad that when we look around the dressing room, we see a lot of talent [and] a lot of ability,” said the forward, via Ghana’s website.
“[There is] a lot of hunger to go and make a name for ourselves as a nation and keep that legacy going.”
Colombia have been even more impressively resolute, going more than four hours without conceding since their opening 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Daniel Munoz scored the only goal in their victory over DR Congo and Davinson Sanchez had a late header ruled out for offside in their 0-0 draw with Portugal to top Group K ahead of the Selecao.
“We cannot take away people’s dreams,” said midfielder Richard Rios. “To the Colombian people: the dream is there.
“I feel both them and us have a lot of hope, but with humility, feet on the ground, keeping at it step by step, day by day.
“We are working hard on the mistakes we’ve made and on everything we are doing well, but I can’t take away the excitement. We are Colombians, and that is what keeps us alive.”
The tie winners will face Switzerland or Algeria, who meet in Vancouver on Friday (04:00 BST), in the last 16 in the Canadian city on Tuesday (21:00).
World Cup 2026: Colombia v Ghana team news
Centre-back Jerome Opoku is back in contention for Ghana after missing the defeat to Croatia through injury.
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo is expected to start despite suffering ankle discomfort at the end of the group stage.
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is likely to be on the bench following a groin issue.
Crystal Palace wideman Munoz will hope to regain his place, having scored once in each of Colombia’s first two fixtures and set up Sanchez’s disallowed goal after replacing Santiago Arias in the 87th minute against Portugal.
Colombia made changes for the first time on matchday three as Munoz, Johan Mojica and Luis Suarez made way for Arias, Deiver Machado and Jhon Cordoba.
Suarez scored four goals in South American qualifying, putting the forward level with the likes of Argentina’s Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
